The Fresh Start task force has announced new proposals to amend the often criticized Fresh Start program to be more accessible for students.

The new proposal outlines changes like reclassification of Fresh Start halls, longer visitation hours and voluntary participation.

“It was all part of a broader plan to increase student appreciation for the [Department of Residence], increase retention and make it a better living experience for the students here,” said Drew Larson, task force member and president of the Inter-Residence Hall Association. “A lot of the decisions in the past were really student unfriendly.”

The committee was promoted by IRHA and the department, and was composed of both students and department administrators.

Fresh Start began in 1999 and is in effect in Maple, Eaton, Friley and Helser halls. Under the policy, these halls are alcohol-free. Visitors of the opposite sex are allowed in student rooms from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. on weekends.

Statistics from annual surveys from the department and internal student government surveys were used to create the proposal, said Mitch Hayek, Maple Hall president. Under the proposal, only Maple Hall, Eaton Hall and five houses in Friley Hall would be under Fresh Start, and the remaining Union Drive communities would be converted to damp houses, in which students who are 21 or older could possess or consume alcohol.

Additionally, visitation policies would be set on a room-by-room basis through the use of roommate contracts; however, visitation will not be allowed past 1 a.m. on weekdays unless the roommate contract specifies otherwise.

The process of formulating a new plan for Fresh Start involved student feedback, and it is hoped that the process will set a precedent with the department in future decisions and planning, Larson said.

“Over the years, Fresh Start was kind of a lightning rod for a lot of discontent,” said Ginny Arthur, associate director for residence life. “There were lots of people who thought that it should be reviewed, so we decided to look at it and see if there were things that needed to be eliminated or [changed].”

The proposal outlines that under this plan, participation would continue to be voluntary and development would still be stressed through community service and other personal development activities.

The departure of former department director Randy Alexander and the drop in residence hall retention rates prompted a desire for change, Hayek said.

“The main reason [for this task force] was there was a change in administration, a change in mindset,” Larson said. “And I think we had some people that were very active and determined to get it done this year — and they did.”

The proposal has been sent to Todd Holcomb, interim director of the department and associate vice president for student affairs, for review.

Questions and comments regarding the recommendations can be submitted through the suggestion box on the IRHA Web site, www.irha.us.